“No AD (Air Defence) guns or any other AD resource deployed at Golden Temple”, says Indian Army
Additionally, Giani Amarjeet Singh, the Additional Head Priest, called the claims “shockingly untrue”
Army denies deployment of Air defence guns at Golden Temple, latest news: The Indian Army on Tuesday clarified that no air defence (AD) guns or any other AD resources were deployed within the premises of Sri Harmandar Sahib (Golden Temple), amid circulating reports claiming otherwise following tensions between India and Pakistan in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, NDTV reported.
Responding to the controversy, the Army issued a statement saying, "Some media reports are circulating with respect to the deployment of AD (air defence) guns in the Golden Temple. It is clarified that no AD guns or any other AD resource was deployed within the premises of Sri Darbar Sahib Amritsar (Golden Temple)."
The report further cited earlier denials by both the Additional Head Priest of the shrine and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) — the apex Sikh religious body — regarding claims that the Golden Temple management had granted permission to the Army to deploy air defence systems on-site to counter potential drone or missile threats from Pakistan.
SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami stated that the only communication from the administration was regarding turning off lights during the blackout observed under Operation Sindoor, and that the SGPC fully cooperated while ensuring that all religious norms and the sanctity of the shrine (maryada) were strictly maintained.
Dismissing the reports, Mr. Dhami confirmed that there was no contact from any Army official regarding the deployment of air defence guns at Sri Harmandar Sahib.
The Head Granthi (chief priest) of the Golden Temple, Giani Raghbir Singh, also clarified as reported, that while he was not present in the country during the recent India-Pakistan tension, there was no communication with him regarding any such deployment, as alleged.
Additionally, Giani Amarjeet Singh, the Additional Head Priest, called the claims “shockingly untrue”. He emphasized that all daily religious services at Sri Darbar Sahib, including the Guru Ramdas Ji Langar, Sri Akhand Path Sahib, and associated gurdwaras, were conducted as per strict religious protocols, with no interference from any outside authority.
He further noted that no lights were turned off at any religious site where maryada was being observed during the blackout.
The report also said that the outer lights were turned off during blackouts citing the SGPC chief Dhami who in consultation with Head Granthi, Giani Raghbir Singh.
Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) President Harjinder Singh Dhami also stated, as reported, that a large number of devotees visited the Golden Temple even during the blackout, and had there been any such deployment, the devotees would have certainly witnessed it.
Mr. Dhami further appreciated the commendable role played by the Army and the country during the recent tensions. However, he strongly condemned the dissemination of false information regarding the central religious site of Sikhs, calling the claims made days after the events “shockingly untrue.”
He has also demanded a formal clarification from the government regarding the matter.
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